Bagnarola

Bagnarola: History of an ancient center rich in history and art

Located in the Municipality of Budrio, Bagnarola is a geographical fraction with a long and interesting history. The location was inhabited in the past by several populations, including Etruscan, Gaulish, and Roman civilizations. In the Middle Ages and in the XVI and XVIII centuries, Bagnarola became a very rich center, also thanks to the construction of important villas, still considered symbols of the town.

Bagnarola: History and Art of an Ancient Center.

Art in Bagnarola

The churches

The churches of Bagnarola represent an important artistic heritage of the area. The church of Saints Giacomo and Biagio hosts a work by Elisabetta Sirani, a canvas depicting the Madonna of the Belt. The church of Saints Peter and Paul, dating back to the XIII century, presents sixteenth-century frescoes inside.

The villas

The villas of Bagnarola represent one of the most important elements of the location. Among these, the Bentivoglio Castle, Villa Ranuzzi Cospi, Villa Giulia, Palazzo Odorici, and Villa Ranuzzi stand out. Moreover, the area also housed a casino, dating back to 1623, and a theater, destroyed by a fire in the XIX century.

Origin of the toponym

The name Bagnarola comes from its wealth of water mirrors, so much so that it was originally called Balnearola. In the past, this abundance of water led to having marshy land in the area.

In conclusion, Bagnarola represents a fraction of great historical and artistic interest, thanks to its long history and the numerous works of art present in the area.

Marco Damico
Wrote by Marco Damico
Updated Thursday, May 19, 2022